BREAKING INTO PRODUCT
Young career professionals aspiring to become a product manager are often faced with a set of key challenges which make it difficult to enter the field. PM roles are few compared to engineering who you’ll work with. This ratio is often one PM for every 15 or 20 engineers. While the field can be challenging to enter, competition for limited roles is also high.
Presented below are several different ways of thinking about how to prepare to make the transition. These essays contain topics including how to get your first role, which career entry pathways are most common and effective, and how to evaluate training choices from certifications to undergraduate and MBA degrees.
WHEN TO RECONSIDER CHOOSING A PM CAREER
The career of product management is very fulfilling, but ultimately not for everyone. It’s a harder job than it looks like when you only see the glossy product announcements. Read on for an unvarnished look at many sides of a PM job role to help determine if this is for you.
THE PM TRAINING GOLD RUSH
PM credential courses and degrees are becoming more popular and available. If you are considering a credential program to help you get your first PM job; choose carefully. Keep reading to understand how to evaluate a training investment, plus many training opportunities today.
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT UNDER THE HOOD [PODCAST 2]
Episode two: A short oral history in podcast form on my own career in product management. Included are common questions and answers, plus my points of view on techniques and career. Hosted by Ashwini Vasanth at the Through the Corporate Glass podcast. https://www.throughthecorporateglass.com/.
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT UNDER THE HOOD [PODCAST 1]
Episode one: A short oral history in podcast form on my own career in product management. Included are common questions and answers, plus my points of view on techniques and career. Hosted by Ashwini Vasanth at the Through the Corporate Glass podcast. https://www.throughthecorporateglass.com/.
BREAKING INTO TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Audio and slides from a presentation at Product School on how to break into technical product management. Each path into PM has a story. See why entry is selective and learn how to create your personal career roadmap to break in.
DOES YOUR SILICON VALLEY CAREER NEED A MBA?
The value of a MBA in Silicon Valley has been debated when it comes to young technology companies and start-ups. How to evaluate whether a MBA is a good choice for your career by considering timing, ROI, school selection, and its ability to open doors for you.
THE KEY SKILL FOR SUCCESS IN PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Steve Harvey, when talking about comedy said, "You only learn this business when you're failing." Product management success also takes time and craft is not achieved overnight, nor without repeated attempts. See how endurance and patience build strong PMs, and how good PMs possess these characteristics.
THE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT CAREER DECODER RING
Unlocking entry into a product management career takes horizontal growth of skills beyond your foundational training area. If you're eager and driven, use the decoder ring to identify roles, training, and educational tracks, and translate them into finding opportunities, and landing your PM starting point.